Are Premium IOLs Worth It?
Intraocular lenses are a vital component to successful cataract surgery. IOLs replace lenses and can provide almost indistinguishable eyesight to the patient.
Often, the patient ends up with better vision than they’ve ever had! But the world of IOLs is vast and can be quite confusing if you’re only starting to look into them.
Wondering if premium IOLs are worth it? Keep reading to learn more about IOLs and what they can do for you!
The Different Kinds of IOLs
If you want a tailor-made IOL experience, you’re in luck. There are now many different options for you to customize your vision outcome.
Monofocal IOLs are the “standard” option, while premium IOLs offer more options. Let’s take a look at standard monofocal IOLs first.
Monofocal IOLs correct for one distance- either near or far. This means that while you won’t have cataracts, you’ll still need glasses after.
There is a technique that can help bypass this called monovision. One IOL corrects for near distance viewing while the other corrects distance viewing.
This allows you to switch between eyes after some practice. While effective, monovision provides sub-optimal results when compared with premium IOLs.
Premium IOLs allow you to experience vision in a pure form, without the aid of glasses. The different premium IOLs available have a variety of benefits. Only you and your doctor can decide which IOL is right for you.
Multifocal IOLs work like bifocal lenses. The change in focal distances is built into the lens itself, allowing you to see images both near and far.
Accommodating IOLs opt for a more natural approach. These IOLs mimic your eyes’ ability to move the lens.
The advantage is they provide smoother transitions between distances. The trade-off is that close up viewing is not as clear as with multifocal lenses.
Aspheric IOLs are very interesting. While normal IOLs are round, this can lead to vision problems. This is because the natural lens is not uniform in its curvature. This is usually most noticeable when there is a lack of light.
Finally, toric IOLs are designed to treat astigmatism. Other premium IOLs only focus on treating near or farsightedness. Toric IOLs also provide respectable vision at both near and far distances.
The Verdict
When it comes down to it, the choice is up to you. Many people love the added benefit of not having to deal with glasses all the time.
If you think reducing your dependence on glasses will make life easier, premium IOLs are worth it. If you don’t mind wearing glasses after cataract surgery, premium IOLs may not be right for you.
The bottom line here is it’s up to you. During your cataract screening at the Pinke Eye Center, make sure to discuss IOLs. Your cataract surgeon will understand the benefits of each IOL, which helps.
If you think you may have cataracts, schedule an appointment! Contact the cataract experts at the Pinke Eye Center in Shelton, CT today!
